Effect of different biostimulation agents on hydrocarbon degradation in contaminated Antarctic soils

DIAS R.; RUBERTO L.; VAZQUEZ S.; HERNANDEZ E.; CORIA S.; TROPEANO M.; DEL PANNO MT; MAC CORMACK W.

Córdoba, Argentina

Congreso; XLIV Reunión Anual de la SAIB; 2008

SAIB

Bioremediation is considered an interesting tool to recover hydrocarbon contaminated soils. Biostimulation is the best strategy for the remediation of chronically contaminated soils and thus, it is important to evaluate several nutrients sources to select the most efficient one. Also, biostimulation combined with a surfactant could improve the removal of hydrocarbons from soil. A field assay under Antarctic environmental conditions was performed to evaluate the effect of different nutrients sources and their combination with a surfactant (Brij®700). Inorganic salts (NSS) and fish meal (FM) were evaluated alone and in combination with Brij®700 (NSSB and FMB). A commercial product designed for bioremediation (CP) and a control without treatment (CC) were also included. The bacterial counts were evaluated in agar plates. Concentration of total hydrocarbons (TPH) was determined by the EPA 418.1 method. At the end of the assay, TPH showed to be significantly lower in all systems (CC: 6590.2 ppm; NSS: 4473.9 ppm; NSSB: 5271.2 ppm; FM: 4871.3 ppm; FMB: 6301.4 ppm; CP: 2649.3 ppm) compared with the initial value (9989.5 ppm). FM, FMB and NSSB showed no significant differences with CC. Results showed that a commercial mix of enzymes, nutrients and surfactants (CP) exhibited the best efficiency and that the use of inorganic salts could represent an adequate option on a cost evaluation basis.